Launch your career as a jewellery designer or entrepreneur

Program code JDBB

Duration 2 Years

Credential Ontario College Diploma

Program Delivery Full-time +
Part-time

Program delivery method(s) Hybrid What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

The Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business diploma program provides you with the hands-on experience and skills necessary for a successful career in the jewellery industry. With access to industry experts, seasoned faculty and studios equipped with the latest technologies, you gain valuable expertise in stone setting, jewellery repair, and the creation of custom jewellery using hand fabrication and finishing techniques. Your practical skillset is further complemented through the use of computer aided design (CAD) software, which is of growing importance in the jewellery industry. With first-hand experience working in and managing the campus jewellery store, this unique program helps you broaden your focus to sales, marketing, accounting and business practices suitable for small businesses, and for creating and managing an online presence.

Please note: Some program courses may be delivered at the downtown Barrie location (5 Ross St.). The Arch and Helen Brown Design and Digital Arts Centre is located just minutes away from the waterfront. You’ll learn in our fully equipped studios using industry standard tools, and you’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders in your field and real-world clients.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2025	Barrie

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

What are the admission requirements for the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business program?

Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent OR mature student status
Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Why study Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business at Georgian? HIDDEN SECTION

Integrated curriculum

With a focus on a practical, hands-on, experiential learning, you’ll have a solid foundation to develop your skills, achieve your goals, and launch a successful career in the jewellery industry.

This unique learning style includes project-based learning supported by digital and laser technologies. Georgian also has an on-campus jewellery store managed and run by the students, offering real-life work experience designed to set you up for success in the industry.

This style of learning will allow you to gain and enhance industry skills. You’ll produce creative, quality work.

Small class sizes and expert faculty

Georgian has small class sizes, which means you’ll benefit from one-on-one learning in a mentor-style relationship with experienced, passionate instructors.

You’ll also create strong relationships with your classmates. Fellowship amongst students strengthens the learning process allowing you to learn from your peers as well as your instructors. This type of learning atmosphere is crucial for developing your skills and design aesthetic.

Learning environment

We have excellent facilities where you’ll have a dedicated workspace, access to CAD labs, 3D printers and enhanced laser welders.

We offer students monitored, after-hour access to the studios.

Our on-campus jewellery store is unique in Canada. Georgian is the only jewellery school that offers experience in a jewellery store to all of its students. Our store is both a retail location open to the public and a learning lab, giving our students authentic industry experience supported by instructors and technologists.

Why take Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business at Georgian?

Integrated Curriculum

Our program is focused on a practical, hands-on, experiential approach to provide our students with a solid foundation to develop skills, achieve goals and launch a successful career in the jewellery industry.

This program’s unique learning style includes project-based learning supported by digital and laser technologies along with an on-site jewellery store managed and run by the students, offering real-life work experience designed to set you up for success in the industry.

This style of learning will allow you to gain and enhance industry skills. You’ll produce creative, quality work.

Class Sizes

We have small class sizes, providing you with beneficial one-on-one learning in a mentor-style relationship with instructors.

You’ll create strong relationships with classmates. Fellowship amongst students strengthens the learning process allowing you to learn from you peers as well as your instructors. This type of learning atmosphere is crucial for developing your skills and design aesthetic

Learning Environment

We have excellent facilities where each student will benefit from having a dedicated workspace of their own, access to CAD labs, 3-D printers and display enhanced laser welders.

We offer students monitored, after hour access to the studios.

Our on-campus jewellery store is unique in Canada. Georgian College is the only jewellery school that offers experience in a jewellery store to all of its students. Our store is both a retail location open to the public and a learning lab, giving our students authentic industry experience supported by instructors and technologists.

Expert Faculty

Learn from professionals working in the jewellery industry.

What career paths can I take in the jewellery industry?

Your Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business diploma gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of the program may find employment in a variety fields in the jewellery industry, including design, repair, production, business, sales, merchandizing, and supply. Specific roles may include jewellery designer or repair person; stone setter; goldsmith; studio jeweller; and jewellery store manager, owner or merchandizer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are there any additional costs?

Students will have to purchase a set of tools in the semester 1. These are available to purchase from the Jewellery Technician.
Metals and gemstones are available for purchase from the jewellery program lock-up and will be required for projects. Metals are a commodity on the stock market and prices are determined using spot prices for metals.
Many consumables used in jewellery manufacturing and finishing are available for purchase from the jewellery program lock-up and will be required for projects.
Approximate costs per semester in materials and supplies $500-$700 dollars. Please reference the program-specific fees page for more details.

How much are books?

Book prices vary from year to year; however, we try to minimize book costs in our program so you have more funds available for materials for your projects.

Can I sell jewellery I’ve made in the program in the on-site jewellery store?

Yes, we want you to showcase and sell your work. All jewellery must meet minimum standards to be sold in the on-campus store.

How much work do I have to do outside of class time?

Students have approximately 18 hours per week of classes and typically need to do two hours of hands-on homework for every hour of class time in the studio classes. Other classes may require less time. Our facilities are open after hours, so students can work on their projects in the evenings and on weekends.

Can I apply to the program if I don’t have any prior experience in jewellery design or bench skills?

Yes, applicants are not required to have any prior jewellery experience or bench skills. Students who wish to get hands-on experience in a variety of arts areas and starter knowledge of Jewellery and bench skills can enroll our 1-year Art and Design Fundamental Certificate program.

Flex MORE. Study Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business part-time

Benefits of studying part-time:

Register on a course-by-course basis, paying as you go
MORE choices. We are always adding more flexible delivery programs and courses.

What you need to know:

Next steps:

Visit the part-time program page

Apply to the part-time program

What courses are included in the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business diploma program?

Course overview

22 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business program outline.

JEWL 1001 – Jewellery Fabrication 1
JEWL 1006 – Jewellery Drawing and Design
JEWL 1010 – Metal Finishing
JEWL 1011 – Jewellery Techniques
JEWL 2003 – Introduction to Gemmology
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

Hybrid

This program has a hybrid delivery method. Some parts are online and other parts are delivered in person. You’ll need to come to campus for part of your program.

Learn MORE about program delivery methods

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) HIDDEN SECTION

Are there any additional costs to take the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business program?

Yes, you’ll need to purchase tools and materials. Please see our program-specific fees webpage for more details.

How much work can I expect outside of class time?

As a student in the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business program, you’ll have approximately 18 hours per week of classes. You can generally expect two hours of hands-on homework for every hour of class time in the studio. Other classes may require less time.

Our facilities are open after hours, so you can practise your skills and work on projects in the evenings and on weekends.

Q. Can I sell jewellery I’ve made throughout the program in the on-campus jewellery store?

Yes, we want you to showcase and sell your work!

Please note, all jewellery must meet minimum standards to be sold in the on-campus store.

Can I apply to the program if I don’t have any prior experience in jewellery design or bench skills?

Yes, applicants aren’t required to have any prior jewellery experience or bench skills.

If you’re looking to get hands-on experience and starter knowledge of jewellery design and bench skills, consider our one-year Art and Design Fundamental certificate program.